HC Deb 06 December 1973 vol 865 cc432-3W
Mrs. McAliskey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will permit the eight Belfast prisoners, recently convicted at Winchester, to serve their sentences in prisons in Northern Ireland

Mr. Carlisle

My right hon. Friend has decided that it would not be in the public interest to grant the applications made by these prisoners. They are being so informed.

Mrs. McAliskey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the eight Belfast prisoners convicted at Winchester are on hunger strike ; how long they have been without food ; whether any are being force-fed ; by what method ; and on what grounds.

Mr. Carlisle

At the outset, seven of the eight prisoners refused normal prison food. On 23 rd November two resumed eating and on 28th November a further one did likewise. On 5th December four of the seven were still refusing food. Of these four

  1. (a) one has (since 23 rd November) been accepting a special liquid diet from a cup ; and
  2. (b) two (since 3rd December) and one (since 5th December) have been given the special liquid diet compulsorily by tube to prevent a breakdown of their health which could endanger their lives.

Mrs. McAliskey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will disclose the whereabouts of the eight prisoners recently sentenced at Winchester.

Mr. Carlisle

My noble Friend the Minister of State is writing to the hon. Member.